Heather Rolfe

My main research interests are employment, education and skills and, in particular, how policy measures can address disadvantage and inequality. I am particularly interested in migration, educational underachievement and barriers to employment. I have a growing interest in understanding the gap between evidence and opinion, particularly in the area of migration.

My methodological expertise is in designing, managing and conducting policy research and evaluation, including process evaluation and qualitative impact. As well as doing primary research, using methods including case studies, in-depth interviews and focus groups, I do evidence reviews and think pieces. As NIESR's only solely qualitative researcher, I usually work with colleagues and external collaborators on mixed methods projects. I aim to involve policy makers with the research process and dissemination, to increase the relevance and impact of findings.

Experience

–present

Principal Research Fellow, National Institute of Economic and Social Research